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California’s Latest Adult Transfer Law Models Pathways for Reform for Rest of U.S.

Originally posted in the Juvenile Justice Information Exchange (JJIE).

CJCJ Policy Analyst Maureen Washburn authors an Op-Ed in the Juvenile Justice Information Exchange (JJIE) about the passage of Senate Bill 1391, which protects 14- and 15-year-olds from transfers to the adult criminal justice system.

From the article:

Although 36 states have recently passed laws placing stricter limits on the treatment of youth as adults, all 50 states and the District of Columbia still allow youth under 18 to be prosecuted in adult court under certain circumstances and four states automatically try 17-year-olds as adults (Georgia, Michigan, Texas and Wisconsin).

With its series of victories in the legislature and at the ballot, California has emerged as a model to reformers nationwide who seek to limit youth transfers. Other states must heed its example and capitalize on positive youth trends to abolish a practice that does measurable harm to youth, families and communities and fails to serve the interest of justice.